Hi guys I have been using my Nikon D3100 + 55-300 VR for around 6 months now and I am loving it! the only thing is that the lens is not the best in low light so because I do not really use the full 300mm (it is also soft at 300mm) I would like to invest in a 70-200 F/2.8 but I am just looking at it because I will probably buys this lens in the later months of the year because I need to save up but I have a couple of questions.

Firstly the lens

How sharp is it? is it sharp all the way throughout to 200mm?
How vital is it having VR, IS or OS because it is a lot more expensive with it?
How heavy is the lens? will I need a monopod or tripod to help me support it?

Now to the body

should I invest in a new body as well or is the D3100 good enough?
If I should upgrade my body the D7000 is probably the only body in my price range. will that be good enough?

Great lens.......I have one on my D300.
Yes its sharp
The VR is great...only turn it off when its on a tripod.
Its not so heavy that i have needed a mono pod.
I would get the lens and see how you get on with the D3100. And save for a better body? D300s? But if all you can afford is a D7100, then go for it.
Good Luck

It has been described as the sharpest zoom lens that Nikon makes. I have one and I love it. Worth every penny and more.

Quoting evall95 (Thread starter):How vital is it having VR, IS or OS because it is a lot more expensive with it?

That depends on when you like to shoot. If you shoot all day, then it can be very useful. If you only shoot between the hours of 5pm and 7pm with a fullsun at your back, then you probably won't need it.

Quoting evall95 (Thread starter):How heavy is the lens? will I need a monopod or tripod to help me support it?

It's a solid/semi-heavy lens. It will make your 3100 feel like a feather. But, you will get stronger and used to it.

Quoting evall95 (Thread starter):If I should upgrade my body the D7000 is probably the only body in my price range. will that be good enough?

Any upgrade will make a difference. How noticeable, I don't know. The 70-200 vr ii is a pro lens. The 3100 and the 7000 are enthusiast cameras. It isn't often a $2,500 lens is paired with a $500 camera body.

Quoting unattendedbag (Reply 4):Any upgrade will make a difference. How noticeable, I don't know. The 70-200 vr ii is a pro lens. The 3100 and the 7000 are enthusiast cameras. It isn't often a $2,500 lens is paired with a $500 camera body.

I'm not sure I follow. The advice here has always been to put the majority of one's budget towards quality glass. It's quite common to find such a "pro" lens on these "enthusiast" (I prefer the term, 'prosumer') camera bodies.

Expensive, yes. But the 70-200 f/2.8 is one of the sharpest zoom lenses available. It's the bread and butter lens for most photographers. A camera body upgrade isn't necessary because of the lens.

ALL views, opinions expressed are mine ONLY and are NOT representative of those shared by Southwest Airlines Co.

Quoting Silver1SWA (Reply 5): It's quite common to find such a "pro" lens on these "enthusiast" (I prefer the term, 'prosumer') camera bodies.

I wouldn't classify the 3100 as a "prosumer" camera. I would consider the d90, d300 and maybe the 7000 prosumer cameras. I would classify the 3100, 3200, 5100 as "enthusiast"/amateur cameras. Is that incorrect?

Quoting unattendedbag (Reply 6):I wouldn't classify the 3100 as a "prosumer" camera. I would consider the d90, d300 and maybe the 7000 prosumer cameras. I would classify the 3100, 3200, 5100 as "enthusiast"/amateur cameras. Is that incorrect?

Correct.

Quoting unattendedbag (Reply 6):Indeed, a camera body upgrade is not required for the lens, but if the thread starter has the additional funds to throw towards an upgraded body, I would say go for it.

Absolutely.

ALL views, opinions expressed are mine ONLY and are NOT representative of those shared by Southwest Airlines Co.

I have the previous model 70-200 f/2.8 VR and originally used it with my D70 and now D300s - only negative on pairing it with the smaller/lighter bodies is its not as well balanced as the heavier bodies - regardless of what kind of camera the 3100 is classified as the 70-200 will work with it and turn out great results.

Mono-pod - not required, almost a hindrance depending on what your shooting, rent or barrow a larger lens for a weekend and 70-200 will feel like a lightweight after.